Rock Chalk Shabbat, KU Hillel’s annual largest Shabbat of the year, took place on Friday, Nov. 4.
Attendees included a range of KU Hillel supporters, from alumni living in Kansas City to parents from across the country. Some students show KU Hillel to visiting family, and some prospective students decide if they want to attend KU.
“It is one of the greatest evenings of our fall semester,” Suzy Sostrin, Executive Director, said. “Rock Chalk Shabbat is a chance for our extended Hillel family to gather and celebrate the incredible Jewish community we continue to build at KU.”
The evening started with dinner in the ballroom of the Kansas Union. Each table had stories of KU Hillel students intended to spark conversation and share the impact of KU Hillel.
“I love Hillel because of the instant community. As an out-of-state student, I came to KU knowing practically no one,” Alexa Schwartz, a freshman, said.
Student interns worked on the morning of Rock Chalk Shabbat alongside the KU Hillel staff to decorate tables and make the Union feel like an extension of a KU Hillel Shabbat. Within hours, the space was ready for Rock Chalk Shabbat. Guests arrived and were greeted at the registration table by three students. Big Jay, one of KU’s mascots, circled the ballroom for photo opportunities and meet-and-greets.
Following dinner, student-led Shabbat services began. Services were led by students Jake Niefeld, Kate Jacobs, Dylan Lever, Alexis Greenberg and Evyn Gadd. Services incorporated tunes from KU Hillel’s usual Shabbat services and ones from Jewish summer camps.
“It brings me joy when everyone is swaying together at services — it’s so magical,” freshman Evyn Gadd said. “Services at Hillel are so great, and I love being a part of them.”
Two students shared their KU Hillel stories as part of services. Demi Fine, a junior, explained how she became involved in Hillel, developing from a shy freshman to a coordinator-level intern. She thanked KU Hillel for the leadership opportunities, friendships, and warm, welcoming community. Jake Niefeld, a senior, gave a speech on how KU Hillel has helped him develop his Jewish leadership and has been there for him when he needed it most.
Oseh Shalom marked the end of services, after which guests headed from the Union to KU Hillel’s new space down the street. A five-minute walk or bus ride brought guests to a dessert reception and opportunity for everyone to preview the new space.
Students, parents and community members saw the new kosher kitchen (where Challah for Hunger bakes will happen and homemade soup will be made to deliver to students) and open flexible space that transforms into a room for seated Shabbat dinners and services on Fridays.
KU Hillel appreciated all the generous support in honor of their community. Information about KU Hillel programming is available at kuhillel.org.
